Ms. Bauknecht, could you tell us a bit about your background and the experiences that shaped your values early in life?
«I grew up in eastern Westphalia on our family’s country estate, which has a very historic background dating back to the 13th century, as documented in the church books of the Bishopric of Herfordia (Herford/Westphalia), a very important center of the Catholic Church in the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries.
From an early age, I was always very interested in the local history of independent East Westphalia (neither a kingdom nor a duchy) and that of my own family. I learned very early the values of sharing and caring for others, which was a strong tradition in my family, as we have always been involved in local history and the preservation of traditions.
Due to World War II, most of my mother’s relatives from eastern Germany fled to Westphalia and came to live with us. As a result, my two brothers and I grew up with twelve cousins and other relatives. We learned early how to share and gained a lot of knowledge about agriculture and animal husbandry.
We had our own little piece of land where we learned how to grow vegetables and harvest fruits like strawberries, cherries, apples, and more. My profound understanding of how to treat the soil properly to achieve optimal results in growing vegetables and herbs proved to be especially helpful later on-in connection with my Empowerment Project for Rural Women in the mountain areas of western Nepal».
How would you describe the role that generosity and compassion have played in your personal and professional journey?
«As already mentioned above, our early awareness of how to treat nature, and of the importance of agriculture and livestock, was deeply formative. Above all, having been taught the value of sharing and helping others less fortunate from a young age – which we experienced firsthand with our relatives from Eastern Germany, who had not been as fortunate as my brothers and I – greatly influenced our, and especially my, understanding of generosity and compassion from early childhood».
Was there a particular moment or encounter that deeply influenced your belief in the power of giving and helping others?
«Since my father had suffered severe injuries during the final months of the war (in Russia), he could no longer manage our farm estate personally and had to engage a caretaker/manager to supervise all farm activities. Meanwhile, he accepted a position with Daimler-Benz AG in Stuttgart, joining a team of five managers who were sent to the USA and Canada to establish new contacts and business activities in North America after the war.
In early 1953, Daimler AG agreed that some of the families of their managers could temporarily move to the USA or Canada. At the age of 12 and a half, I therefore left my high school studies at the Girls’ Lyceum in Herford, Westphalia, to join my mother in Canada. My two brothers – due to their school commitments and their own wishes – remained at home with our relatives and only joined us in Canada later. Attending high school in Toronto without being able to speak a single proper sentence in English was an extremely difficult experience for me. I was considered “an immigrant child” and confronted with “Germany’s Nazi past,” of which I knew very little. In my high school in Herford, we had learned extensively about the Greeks and Romans, but nothing yet about World War II or Germany’s role in it. As a result, my classmates initially did not seek my presence or friendship.
However, thanks to a fantastic teacher who noticed my struggles, I began to understand the situation. He helped me immensely and eventually enabled me to be accepted by my classmates. This was a lifelong lesson – one that taught me how to cope with adversity, and made me realize how important it is to have friends, to find understanding, and above all, to help others in times of need».
What initially inspired your strong commitment to supporting the people of Nepal, and how has that motivation evolved over the years?
«I met Dr. Toni Hagen, a Swiss development expert sent by DEZA to Nepal, whose work and connection with the King of Nepal inspired me deeply. After his retirement in Lenzerheide, I helped preserve his photo archive, much of which was donated to DEZA. I joined the board of the Dr. Toni Hagen Foundation, now led by his daughter Katrin, who organizes democracy workshops and health camps.
In 1993, I became Honorary Consul of Nepal for Southwest Germany, and in 2000, Honorary Consul General in Stuttgart, promoting tourism and Nepalese exports across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
To support development, I founded the NGO VEBW e.V. in 1996, launching the Rural Women Empowerment Project. My first visit to Nepal in the 1980s, with Dr. Gisela Bonn, led to an audience with King Birendra and later work in Bhujung Village, supported by the Royal King Mahendra Trust.
With help from KMTNC, GTZ-Nepal, and the Ministry of Industry, VEBW e.V. expanded its work to build schools for children in rural areas. After the 2015 earthquakes, over 240 unaccompanied children were rescued; 76 remained unclaimed. VEBW e.V. funded care for 18 of them through the Earthquake Orphan Cooperation Project until 2021- its first orphan-focused initiative».
What role does cultural understanding play in your philanthropic work, and how do you foster mutual respect between Germany and Nepal?
«Nepalis are, by nature, very friendly people and immensely curious about anything new. Especially in remote rural areas, the villagers I met were extremely open, interested, and welcoming – even toward strangers. It is therefore important to meet them with friendly respect.
As Honorary Consul General, one of my key responsibilities has always been to foster good relations between our two countries. I often sought to surprise my Nepali counterparts with thoughtful gestures I knew would be appreciated.
For example, when the renowned Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra toured India in 2010, I arranged for them to make a short stopover in Kathmandu. My Nepali friends were thrilled to host such a prestigious ensemble, and the concert was a great success. As a special gesture, the orchestra – equally excited to perform “at the Roof of the World” – prepared a surprise for the audience. After Nepal transitioned to a democratic republic, the government had adopted a new national anthem. Some orchestra members obtained the score and rearranged it for their ensemble. When the concert opened with Nepal’s new anthem, the audience was stunned and deeply moved. A long, enthusiastic applause followed, expressing heartfelt gratitude for an unforgettable evening.
In 2019, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Germany, the German government and embassy invited the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra to return to Kathmandu for another memorable concert. Such cultural gestures not only foster mutual respect but also strengthen the ties between our nations».
Trough the VEBW Association, you have supported numerous initiatives. Which project are you most proud of, and why?
«Considering the various projects I have initiated over 25 years in Nepal, I still regard my Rural Women Empowerment Project as the most successful and personally meaningful. Since childhood, I have felt deeply connected to rural life and agricultural activities – often sitting in my favorite willow tree by the pond in the apple yard of our farm, dreaming of the “big wide world” my maternal grandfather used to tell me about. He had fled from Thuringia in Eastern Germany with the family after World War II, settling on our farm in Westphalia. I was always fascinated by his stories of working in faraway places like Singapore and Shanghai for a British trading company.
The Rural Women Empowerment Project continues today, now involving three generations of women who work increasingly independently. I plan to visit the project again in May/June 2026 to introduce new workshops focused on nature conservation and climate change. As climate change has begun to affect the Himalayan region, it is vital to prepare these communities for the consequences. The workshops will be led by climate experts, and I also intend to support the production of educational film material explaining the causes and impacts of these changes».
Receiving the Federal Cross of Merit is a significant honor – what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
«The Federal Cross of Merit – First Class, which I received in April 2021 from Germany’s President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon civilians in Germany. However, this distinction can only be awarded to individuals who have previously received the Federal Cross of Merit, which I was honored with in 1999 by President Prof. Roman Herzog.
That award coincided with my participation in the President’s first state visit to Nepal, following his official visit to China. The five-day visit to Nepal took place in beautiful weather, allowing the Nepalese people to fully engage in the event, lining the streets to welcome the German delegation. It was the first state visit by a German Federal President to Nepal and was considered a great honor by the King and the people of Nepal.
I had the privilege of accompanying the President and his entourage during this visit in my role as Honorary Consul General of Nepal for Southwest Germany. This experience also opened new doors for me at Nepal’s Royal Court and within its government in Kathmandu».
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of your philanthropic work and for the communities you support in Nepal?
«In recent years, Nepal has endured significant hardship. After the devastating 2015 earthquake, the country was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to its proximity to India and China, Nepal faced strict border closures imposed by the WHO, which lasted over two years. Citizens were instructed to work from home – a measure that proved ineffective, as most Nepalis lack internet access and private phone lines, especially in rural areas and among partners like MAITI-Nepal. Moreover, remote work came without financial compensation.
The closure severely impacted Nepal’s tourism and industry, both of which were only beginning to recover from the earthquake. Rebuilding the economy will require time and continued support from international partners and NGOs such as VEBW e.V. However, global conflicts and humanitarian crises have made philanthropic work increasingly difficult, and funding has become scarce.
Despite these challenges, VEBW e.V. remains committed to its Nepalese partners. In 2026, the organization plans to launch new workshops in Western Nepal focused on climate change and nature conservation, issues that now affect the Himalayan region. These workshops will use simple materials and illustrations to communicate key messages to rural women. A climate change film will also be produced and adapted as needed.
These initiatives form the core of VEBW e.V.’s upcoming mission to Nepal in early summer 2026 – an effort to empower rural communities and raise awareness about the environmental challenges that lie ahead».
